Doctor of Theology (ThD) Program
Rationale
The ThD degree program is offered to students wishing to enhance their knowledge and ministerial skills or teaching competence in certain advanced areas of theology and ministry. It has a stronger academic specialization than the DMin, but also differs from the PhD in its integrative character and clear connection to the church.
The degree program has an interdisciplinary design based on one major discipline (eight courses) and one minor discipline (four courses). The major and minor disciplines are integrated in a particular theme or program; an adequate rationale in terms of the applicant’s vocation must be included in the personal statement of the application. Admission, when granted, is to the disciplines specified in the application. A subsequent request to change a major or minor will be treated as a reapplication. The student’s selection of major and minor must be sufficiently distinct so that the proposed integration can be significant. The following disciplines are eligible for majors:
Major and Minor Disciplines
Please note that this list is the most updated list of Major and Minor Disciplines for the ThD in Fall 2012. The list in the ThD section of the School of Theology Bulletin (accessed through the link below) is representative of the Fall 2011 availability. Please note the addition of Homiletics and Religious Education as possible majors for the ThD.
ThD Major Disciplines, by Area
The following disciplines are eligible for majors.
Area A: Biblical & Historical Studies
- Church History
- Mission Studies
- New Testament
- Hebrew Scripture
Area B: Philosophy, Theology & Ethics
- Social and Theological Ethics
- Theology
Area C: Religion, Culture & Personality
- Pastoral Psychology
Area D: Ministry in Church & Society
- Liturgical Studies
Minor Disciplines
All of the above major disciplines are offered as minor disciplines as well. The following fields are offered only as minor disciplines:
- Evangelism
- Pastoral Theology
- Psychology of Religion
- Religious Education
- Homiletics
- Sacred Music
- Sociology of Religion
- Spirituality
ThD Curriculum
ThD section of the STH Bulletin (click here for information about ThD curriculum and plans of study)
ThD Handbook (From the Advanced Studies Committee)
Admissions Process
Please note: prospective students with interest in the ThD program should apply for fall matriculation. The program faculty does not review or accept students for spring matriculation except in the rarest of cases. The application deadline for fall 2011 matriculation was December 15th, 2010. No exceptions can be made for late applications to the program.
Prospective students interested in the ThD program should apply through the online application portal, found here. All admissions requirements and procedures are outlined in the online application. Feel free to contact the Admissions Office if you have questions about this process.
Please note that all applicants to the ThD program must include a valid GRE score as part of their application. No exceptions will be made for international students or for students who have successfully completed a doctorate in another field. International students for whom English is not a native language must submit both a valid GRE score and a valid TOEFL score to complete their applications.